Author’s Note: Spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen it yet. Inside Out 2Bookmark this, go see the movie, and catch up on the important storylines later.
Pixar Studios has an unparalleled ability to beautifully bring to life lesser known themes, such as a visceral journey into emotional development. Inside Out 2. We live in a world of sequels and prequels, but Riley’s (Kaitlyn Diaz, now Kensington Tallman) coming-of-age journey is the reason these films are such a celebrated and welcomed idea.
In the original 2015 film, we met Riley and the embodiment of her emotions.joy (Amy Poehler) sorrow (Phyllis Smith) fear (Bill Hader, now Tony Hale), Disgust (Mindy Kaling, now Liza Lapira) anger (Lewis Black).
As we travel through islands of personality, pneumatic tubes of long-term memory, the subconscious and the land of the imagination, meet “Bing Bong” (Richard Kind) and dive into the abyss of the memory dump, we see much more than just Riley’s formative years.
Exploring and understanding the many facets of emotion during the tumultuous teenage years is necessary to our identity. Such emotions may be overlooked in the original work, but Inside Out 2 Intense emotions are on full display. Through these films, Pixar shows us the essential balance of our emotions.
That accumulation of passion and pain is the passion that gives God’s children a perfect life.
Balancing mental health is a tightrope
Riley’s emotional wellbeing mirrors the way most of us manage our emotions: childhood dreams can sometimes devolve into pre-adolescent nightmares. Without a way to return to “headquarters,” all of her emotions, and Bing Bong’s struggle to become more mature and find her place in the world.
In the original, sadness transforms into empathy for Bing Bong, fear transforms into practical concern, and even anger transforms into determination.
meanwhile Inside Out 2 Teenage emotions are more visible and active. anxiety (Maya Hawke) envy (Ayo Edebiri) Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser) nostalgia (June Squibb), and Malaise (Adele Exarchopoulos). As anyone young enough to be Riley’s age can attest, the latter could also be considered “so-so.”
Just like in the first film, there’s a whole host of emotions racing through Riley’s heart, mind and soul like bumper cars, and it’s fascinating to watch them work together to create a healthy growth and maturity.
God is our refuge and strength, a constant help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, even if the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the depths of the sea, even if the waters roar and foam, and the mountains tremble with their waves (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV).
In the long-awaited sequel, she goes to hockey camp. Riley struggles throughout the film as she comes to terms with her adolescence, emphasizing its importance in relation to other parts of her life. She grows personally and learns to express her emotions alongside her friends Grace (Grace Lu) and Bree (Sumaiyah Nuriddin Green). Some of Riley’s most memorable years are spent with these two, but when she finds out that her friends will be attending different high schools next year, her character completely changes.
Figuring that out is the conflict and focus of the entire film, and as we watch Riley struggle with emotional congestion, we are forced to consider some very personal questions:
- Do the old feelings we had when we were younger still serve us?
- Is there such a healthy amount of “negative emotions”?
- How can we grow while making uncomfortable decisions?
- Can polarized emotions work together for personal gain?
Most people answer these questions at any given year, seeking refuge and strength. But it is usually around adolescence that we begin to face self-awareness. In the film, Anxiety speaks to a collection of more mature, exorcised emotions that adolescence usually cries out to us: “Okay, Riley. Let’s change everything about you.”
Inside Out 2 brings mixed emotions to God’s creation
At the heart of these emotions is the rollercoaster ride Riley goes through in her discovery, and we all This height Just hop on board and enjoy the ride. As the original movie ends, a red light flashes on the new headquarters console.
“What Poop“-Bertie?” asks Disgust.
Joy replies, “That probably doesn’t matter.”
I wish that were the case.
Teens face a great deal of stress starting from the “preteen” age of 11 or 12. Anxiety typically emerges as a result of feeling self-conscious about their height, weight, growth, and how they approach social situations.
Skylight.org is a reflective website that introduces mental health practices to help young people understand how to harness their self-awareness and offers Gallup survey results on faith and health. This analysis helps us understand the complex emotions most young people face today.
“Spirituality” and faith are Inside Out 2 Introducing new emotions emphasizes the need for purpose. The study showed that “people who pray or meditate frequently are 47% more likely to have a sense of mission and purpose in life.”
The National Institute of Mental Illness and Disorders (NAMI) reports that 60% of children over the age of 18 report being more stressed about life than their parents of the same age. Why? Check out the poll and this video.
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses among teenagers, with statistics showing that 4 percent of 10-14 year olds and 5 percent of 15-19 year olds experience anxiety disorders. Depression is the second most common mental illness among teenagers, with estimates of the number of people affected by this problem.
Now that Riley is 13, adolescence and its attendant stresses swirl around every corner of the journey. Opinions become beliefs and facts become blurred. When a celebrated female hockey player meets Val (aka Lilimar), peer pressure and borderline idolatry creep in. And Joy and Anxiety’s intrusive relationship leaves Riley conflicted in compelling ways.
She wants to make a good impression on Val and her coach. Riley suffers from the loss of her friends. Ultimately, she sacrifices what her parents taught her. As a result, she loses her sense of self. The rollercoaster twists and turns end as Riley finds herself again and embraces the changes in her life.
And we know that God causes all things to work for the good of those who love him, those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).
We all have a purpose, but where can we find it? It is impossible, except by considering what the Bible says.
Riley has never opened a KJV Bible, but has found herself in a time of reflection, crisis, meditation, and growth. In collaboration with Patheos, Skylight is a tool Riley can use to learn more about her struggles and gain control over her emotions.
If you’re reading this review Inside Out 2 And if you’re wondering how to deal with those complicated emotions, listen to like-minded young people who offer daily affirmations, topical prayers, yoga lessons, and all kinds of music to help you relax and sleep peacefully.
Although this is a wholesome, heartwarming movie about Riley, all teenagers will experience mental health problems at one time or another. Talk to your children about what they see and enjoy the experience together.
